Manchester United produced a quite unbelievable comeback to turn a 2-0 half-time deficit into a 3-2 win and deny hated rivals Manchester City the chance to win the Premier League title at the Etihad.
As poor as the Red Devils were in the opening 45 minutes – City’s 2-0 interval advantage was the least they deserved for a rampant display – Jose Mourinho’s men were magnificent in the second 45.
Vincent Kompany – a scorer on this ground against the same opponents as City clinched a maiden Premier League title six years ago – headed the hosts in front, with Ilkay Gundogan turning and firing in a fine second in a rampant first half display.
They should have been home and hosed but a different United showed up for the second half, with Paul Pogba’s 90-second brace leveling the score with 10 minutes of the second half gone.
Chris Smalling then steered in Alexis Sanchez’s curling free-kick to give United the lead. And they withstood the City onslaught as Pep Guardiola’s side were left to wait to lift their trophy.
David De Gea somehow tips over Sergio Aguero’s header.
MANCHESTER UNITED (4-3-3)
David De Gea – 7: Poor distribution put his side in trouble on a few occasions, but stunning save from Aguero underlined his status as the world’s best
Antonio Valencia – 5: Given the runaround by Sterling with United’s back four all at sea. Steered his side through choppy waters to a swashbuckling victory
Chris Smalling – 6: Weak for the opener, positional naïvity led to second. Old failings revisited but was reviltalised after the break and calm finish for winner
Eric Bailly – 5: Easily United’s best central defender but below par here. Pulled around by Sane and Sterling, but bounced back in second period
Ashley Young – 6: Epitomised United’s two halves. Horribly exposed in first. Committed and heroic in the second. Lucky an overzealous tackle on Aguero didn’t result in red
Ander Herrera – 7: A shock inclusion considering he’s played twice in six weeks. Stifled City attacks and got under opponents’ skins. Sumptuous assist for Pogba
Nemanja Matic – 6: Looked past his prime as City sauntered forward in the first half, but reined in their marauding midfield after the break
Paul Pogba – 9: United’s one bright spark even in a forgetful first half. Led the comeback. Why can’t he play like this all the time?
Jesse Lingard – 6: One of the few United players who would have felt truly hurt at half-time. A relatively docile display but energy levels never dipped
Romelu Lukaku – 6: Horribly isolated in the first half, Mourinho pushed team-mates closer to him after the break and he brought them into play
Alexis Sanchez – 8: Another week, another telling contribution to a game. Two assists from the Chilean turned it on its head
SUBS:
Marcus Rashford – 6: Little time to make an impact but worked hard going forward and back
Scott McTominay – 6: Not overawed in his brief cameo
Victor Lindelof – N/A: Pushed on as an auxiliary midfielder in stoppage time